FREEPORT — It was like Santa’s workshop Thursday at the Freeport/Stephenson County Convention & Visitors Bureau as Connie Sorn, executive director for the bureau, and Peggy Campbell, administrative assistant with the bureau, acted like elves putting the finishing touches on the Holiday Gift Expo that opened Friday for the gift-giving season.

For the past nine years, the gift expo has grown, with more than 100 local vendors selling unique gift items, all from Stephenson County residents.

“This is one of our most popular expos,” Sorn said. “It has become a tradition for visitors and local residents who are looking for unique gift ideas. The gift items make great presents for former residents who have memories of the area, children that grew up here, but now live away, or just local folks who have an interest in, and love of, our area.”

Campbell said setting up for the expo is a two-week job.

“When I step back and see what comes alive it’s so exciting,” Campbell said.

“I see first-time shoppers walk through these doors just stopping in for a road map, and they end up walking out the doors with holiday treasures.”

“What we have done with this gift shop is build it around the history and culture of Stephenson County,” Sorn said. “People need to know these are items actually made here. This is what makes us unique.”

In the beginning, Sorn said, there were as few as 20 vendors. Each year, the number continues to grow. Some of this year’s vendors are nonprofit organizations. The money spent at the shop goes to the vendors, with a percentage staying in the community.

The shop will be open daily through Jan. 5.

“The most important thing is when you look at what we have, you just have to say, we have a talented area surrounding us,” Sorn added.